Claimed Charitable Deduction of Donated Remainder Interest At Issue.

In this case, the petitioner claimed a $33 million charitable deduction of a remainder interest in the membership interests of an LLC.  The LLC was the landlord of property that was subject to a triple net lease.  At issue was the value of the remainder interest and the application of the IRS tables contained in I.R.C. Sec. 7520.  The court determined that the contribution of the remainder interest (to the University of Mich.) resulted in a deduction that far exceeded the partnership's investment.  After the contribution, the University sold the remainder interest to another entity then resold it and the last purchaser then contributed it to another charity which again triggered a charitable deduction that exceeded the entity's or the donor's investment.  The court denied summary judgment, noting that the entire scheme suggested a tax shelter.  On whether the appraisal of the remainder interest was a qualified appraisal, the court determined that the appraisal barely satisfied the requirements of I.R.C. Sec. 170.  RERI Holdings I, LLC v. Comr., 143 T.C. No. 3 (2014); Zarlengo v. Comr., T.C. Memo. 2014-161.